2024 Honolulu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Hawaii is located in the very center of the Pacific Ocean and has a distinctive tropical style and flavor. This island paradise is overflowing with a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Alongside the blue sea and sunny, sandy beaches, there is also a variety of magical landscapes and countless wonderful activities in which to partake. The Hawaiian archipelago is a cluster of islands which includes the six famous islands Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. Each of them has its own distinctive characteristics. Oahu is completely suffused with fantastical Hawaiian style and flavor. The big island of Hawaii has volcanoes and is perfect for stargazing. Kauai is a Garden of Eden and a playground for explorers. Maui is a perfect resort destination for families and honeymooners.
Peak Season
June - September
Today's Weather
Mostly clear 25-32℃
Popular Attractions
Pearl Harbor
Waikīkī Beach
Kualoa Ranch
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Diamond Head
"7 Essential Hacks for the Perfect Waikiki Beach Experience"
##myhiddengems #localguides
##mytravelhacks
Waikiki Beach is a popular destination, and these seven hacks will help you make the most of your visit:
1. **Visit Off-Peak Hours**: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and secure a prime spot on the beach.
2. **Pack Light**: Bring only essentials like a towel, sunscreen, and water. This makes it easier to move around and keeps your belongings safe.
3. **Use Public Transportation**: Parking in Waikiki can be expensive. Save money by taking TheBus or using bike rentals to get around.
4. **Bring a Reusable Water Bottle**: Stay hydrated by filling up at water stations around the area, reducing waste and saving money.
5. **Try Local Food Trucks**: Skip the expensive beachfront restaurants and enjoy delicious local eats from nearby food trucks.
6. **Take Advantage of Free Activities**: Enjoy free hula shows, live music, and other cultural performances along the beach.
7. **Watch the Sunset**: End your day with a stunning sunset view, one of Waikiki’s most breathtaking experiences.
Hilton Waikiki Beach
Staying at the Hilton Waikiki Beach in Hawaii was an unforgettable experience of comfort and luxury. I enjoyed the hotel's tranquil atmosphere and the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean from the balcony. The staff were very friendly and helpful, providing excellent service throughout my stay.
The room was spacious and comfortable, with a soft bed and elegant decor. I had all the comforts I needed to relax and enjoy my stay. I also enjoyed delicious meals at the restaurants available within the hotel.
The hotel's location was perfect as it was within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and shops. I had a great time exploring the surrounding area and enjoying water activities.
In short, my stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for comfort, luxury, and an ideal location in Hawaii.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden.
One of the main attractions of Oahu is its beautiful beaches. Take a break at the famous Waikiki Beach, enjoy the waves at the renowned North Beach, or dive into the clear seas of Hanauma Bay.
2. Outdoor Activities
Take a walk to the summit of Diamond Head to enjoy the spectacular views of the island, or explore the lush mountains and the views of Kualoa Ranch.
Attraction Factors
There are many historical and cultural landmarks. Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to learn about the island's role in World War II, or explore the Polynesian Cultural Center to gain insight into the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands.
Hawaii Honolulu/Oahu Travel Guide
I really love Hawaii 🌺aloha
🌈Play:
▪️Lanikai Pillbox & Lanikai Beach I would call it the most beautiful hiking spot and the most beautiful white sand beach. I've been there twice already
▪️Waikiki Beach The most popular commercial district beach. Quite a lot of people!
▪️Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
▪️Halona Blowhole Lookout
▪️Koko Crater Railway Trailhead is also a hiking trail but very unique because it's a 🛤️rail track type of hike
▪️Hawaii Polo Oceanfront Trail Rides Horseback riding by the sea! Make a reservation in advance~ About 1h, it's recommended to wear pants
▪️ Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden A very green and fairy-tale-like botanical garden
▪️Laniakea Beach Turtle Beach🐢
🌈Eat:
▪️Kona Coffee Black sesame croissant recommended!
▪️Island Vintage coffee An old internet celebrity, taro bagel is really my favorite
▪️Yoshitsune Delicious sukiyaki
▪️HK Cafe Quite authentic tea restaurant😭I love it
▪️Foodland Market Poke Bowl Cheap, large portions, and delicious
▪️Matsumoto Shave Ice North Shore internet celebrity shaved ice
▪️Marugame Udon Delicious Japanese noodles
▪️Musubi Cafe Japanese rice balls
▪️The Sunrise Shack A must-eat acai bowl in Hawaii
▪️Sushi Sho Internet celebrity omakase
🌈Shop:
▪️Waikiki shopping street Very lively, duty-free shops with big brand cosmetics and shoes
▪️Ala Moana mall An all-purpose mall
▪️abc I have to rave about Hawaii's abc stores, really one at every step, they have everything, food, drinks, beach supplies, souvenirs, really all-purpose. The internet celebrity black Hello Kitty is also here (now you get a gift with a purchase of $100, hurry and get the deal
Waikiki Beach: A great place for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing
Waikiki Beach is one of the famous beaches in Hawaii, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It has white sandy beaches and green waters, which are very suitable for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
On Waikiki Beach, you can see many people enjoying the sun and waves. Some people like to walk on the beach, while others like to surf in the waves. In addition, there are many restaurants and shops for tourists to shop and dine.
The beautiful scenery of Waikiki Beach also attracts many tourists to visit. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and magnificent sea view. In addition, there are many historical sites and cultural attractions, such as the Waikiki Museum and the Waikiki Art Center.
In summary, Waikiki Beach is a very suitable place for vacation and travel. Whether you want to enjoy the sun and waves, or want to appreciate the beautiful scenery and cultural attractions, it is a good choice.
The correct way to open Hawaii!
Hawaii is a very suitable place for tourism, with different charms in each season. This time I brushed the Big Island and brushed Oahu for the second time. Although I was still not satisfied, I had a lot of fun! The following is my specific itinerary for your reference.
This is a leisurely trip, mainly arranged activities such as taking the OW diving certificate and shopping. See the last two pictures for specific itinerary details.
OW Diving Certificate: I had a failed diving experience before, so I carefully chose a diving company this time. Under the patient guidance of the Japanese coach, I successfully got the OW certificate. Although I am still a bit afraid of water, I have begun to slowly enjoy the fun of diving.
Second Brush Gulani Ranch: I strongly recommend everyone to choose Zipline! If you choose Zipline, you can not choose UTV. Because the routes and attractions of the two projects are similar, but UTV will cover the whole body with dust. If you want to choose, you can put it at the end. The last UTV time is 3:15 in the afternoon, you need to check in in advance, everyone should arrange the time reasonably.
Dinosaur Bay ticket grabbing: Friends who want to go to Dinosaur Bay remember to grab tickets at 7 o'clock in Hawaii time in advance, and set up autofill, because it is really difficult to grab tickets by manually entering information.
Island tour: In one day, we circled the island along the coastline and checked in many beautiful jelly beaches!
Shopping: Luxury goods have stores on the main street and Ana Moana, it is recommended to go early and communicate with sa, so that you can know in advance whether the style you want will be in stock, which is convenient for the first time to grab.
The above is my trip to Hawaii, I hope it will be helpful to everyone!
Hawaii: A Perfect Adventure in Tropical Paradise
Hawaii, a paradise full of tropical charm, is the ideal tourist destination in everyone's heart. Whether you are a vacationer seeking tranquility or an adventurer who likes adventure, Hawaii can meet your needs. On this beautiful land, you can enjoy the sun, beach, and food, and experience exciting activities such as canoeing, diving, and rock climbing. Let's explore the wonderful journey of Hawaii together.
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii and a place where tourists often go. This wide beach offers a variety of water activities, such as surfing, swimming, and beach volleyball. Here, you can enjoy the fun brought by the sun, beach, and sea.
2. Dinosaur Bay
Dinosaur Bay is one of the most famous bays in Hawaii and a must-visit place for tourists. This bay is famous for its beautiful beaches and spectacular coral reefs. You can snorkel and dive here to appreciate the beautiful underwater world. In addition, Dinosaur Bay has many historic buildings and cultural sites, such as ancient temples and cemeteries.
3. Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Hawaii and a must-visit place for tourists. In this national park, you can see active volcanoes and lava flows, which are amazing natural landscapes. In addition, there are many wild animals and plants in the park, such as vultures, bats, and palm trees.
4. Tropical Botanical Garden
The Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the most famous botanical gardens in Hawaii and a must-visit place for tourists. In this botanical garden, you can appreciate various tropical plants and flowers, such as palm trees, bamboo, and orchids. In addition, there are many birds and insects and other animal ecology.
5. Food
Hawaii's food is also not to be missed. Here, you can taste a variety of delicious seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks. For example: Hawaiian pizza, which is a pizza made from local ingredients in Hawaii; and Hawaiian beef rice, the tender and juicy beef with fragrant rice makes people appetite; and seafood platter and other foods make people linger.
6. Shopping Experience
In Hawaii, you can also experience a unique shopping culture. In Hawaiian stores, you can buy a variety of local souvenirs and handicrafts; for example: Hawaii's famous hand-woven products, T-shirts with Hawaiian patterns, etc. are all irresistible. In addition, in Hawaii, you can also experience the unique Hawaiian traditional craft - bamboo weaving art is a long history of traditional handicrafts woven into bamboo baskets, trays, etc. are very delicate and beautiful.
7. Cultural Experience
In Hawaii, you can also experience a rich cultural atmosphere: here you can visit the long-established museums and art galleries to appreciate many precious cultural relics and artworks; for example: Hawaii Volcano Museum, etc. are all very beneficial; In addition, in Hawaii, you can also appreciate many local traditional performances and dances, etc. are very unique and mysterious!
Hiking Pu'u Pia Trail in Manoa
What fun on a Saturday afternoon - Fresh avocado, a rain shower and a hike! The trail is intermediate, mostly due to exposed roots and some incline. Slow and steady - our 70+ hikers made the 45 minute ascent easy enough. Near the top the Strawberry Guavas were ripe and delicious - yum!
The trail down easy enough - views, exercise and fond memories. Give it a try on your next Hawaii explore.
Aloha and Pleasant Journeys!#hiking #hawaiihikes #honolulu
Hawaiiana Is Flowering
Living in Honolulu on Oahu in Hawaii is awesome - the beauty, sunny warm climate, negative ions from the ocean infused air - everything flowers!
Even our daily joe - Kona blend coffee - that is flowering too! Check out the pics and please remember that Aloha means 'all the Spirit of life'.
Aloha and Pleasant Journeys!#aloha #coffee #vegan
Heavenly Honolulu, HI
If you’re looking for an island that has heavenly waters and gorgeous sunsets, beautiful beach parties and clear aqua waters, then Honolulu is calling your name. If you have ever dreamed about going to paradise, Honolulu is your travel destination. Honolulu offers large shopping malls, a wide variety of fabulous local cuisine and hand made crafts. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness in this world around you.#beachlife #couplestrip #urbanexplorer #foodie #mytripvlog #tripblazers #cafe #summervacation #2023travelwish #passionpassport #celebratewithtrip
A few years ago travel album 🏖 I love Hawaii and the ocean too much.
Waikiki Beach
The beach scenery is very beautiful, the sea water is very blue, and the sand is very fine.
People come and go leisurely, truly worthy of being a holiday resort.
You can buy some snacks and drinks nearby and watch the sunset.
Hawaii's most famous are Diamond Head and Rainbow.
You can really see the sun slowly setting.
Beach can rent a small bed to enjoy.
Or rent a surfboard and play in the water.
You can also go whale watching at sea 🐳.
Many leisurely and fun activities.
🎈Highlights:
✅Enjoy sunbathing and watch the sunset.
✅Perfect summer vacation destination, with grass skirt dance performances at night.
✅You can take a submarine to a depth of 36 meters to admire the coral reefs.
📍Honolulu. Hawai. USA
⏱Open 24 hours.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaii visit
If you are planning to visit Hawaii, check out Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Formed within a volcanic cone, it offers a pristine marine ecosystem and was declared a protected marine life conservation area in 1967.
Part of conservation plan, it requires first timers to watch a short video before entering the park so they can learn about marine life.
It is best for snorkeling and you will get to see hundred of tropical fish and marine life.
The entrance fee per adult about 12 year old is USD25.
Diamond head, Hawaii hike
Did the Diamond Head in Hawaii hike. Started early and took about 2 hours and total distance about 2.5km. Most of the path is paved and you just have to follow the signs and there are also benches along the way for resting.
You can get a stunning shoreline view and get to know a rich history of it.
This crater was created about 300k years ago by a single eruption. Here is also US’s first military reservation and the site has tunnels, batteries, anti-aircraft weapons and National Guard emergency operations centre, some of these installations remain till today.
The hike a good form of exercise and worth the effort if you visit Hawaii.
USS Missouri Battleship tour
Visited USS Missouri Battleship at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Interesting tour for you to get to know this historic battleship in the world.
It was assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II and her quarterdeck was the site of the surrender of the empire of Japan. It was also used in the fight of Korean War between 1950 and 1953.
It was then decommissioned and donated to become a museum ship at Pearl Harbor.
Her bow faces the USS Arizona Memorial to signify the it watches over remains of Arizona for those who perished within may rest in peace.
It is definitely a must visit if you are in Hawaii.
From the Time I Came to Hawaii, I Loved The views and the people. Experiencing princley moments is just one reason to travel to Hawaii but definitely you can also expect high quality promises.
Honolulu are from one of the most tourism places to go especially for a family vacation. The sceneries in the center of Honolulu are beautiful in memorizing. You will find majestic beaut views, lively culture, cute old houses and some impressive architecture. Make this city will be your travel wish for 2023 and convince yourself to go!! #2023travelwish
Great experience and would recommend it to Jurassic Park fans, It's just such a fun experience to see where so many big movies were filmed and the scenery is simply stunning
Visiting Kualoa Ranch was one of the most enjoyable experiences we’ve had.
Spectacular sky show in Waikiki
#waikiki #sunset
Honolulu HI
it’s most beautiful and clean place I ever visited. The weather so perfect and the ocean so warm and clean. everything is supper clean and organize
kualoa ranch was super duper beautiful..i would recommend it 10/10!! is a must try experience, we went for horseback riding and UTV tour! spent a whole day at that place and during the break we went to the beach nearby and chill! there was also a macadamia farm close by, do check it out! overall experience in kualoa ranch was so great and unforgettable. things to take note: wear something casual and long pants because during the UTV tour was super dusty. try not to bring your bag or any important lovely belongings with you. it was about 2 hours for each activity. also do remembering to bring water with you and keep yourself dehydrated!!
Club Level Perks - Alohilani resort Waikiki
Address - 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ambiance/Facilities - Sleek, modern, classy resort in the heart of Waikiki beach. The hotel had very 4.5 star vibes about it. We definitely felt like we were staying in an upper end style of hotel compared to some of the more family friendly resorts further down the beach.
Highlights - Club level packages here are worth the extra cost. 4 hr breakfast service every morning, while limited choices available it was very good food and an easy low key way to start the day. Club level also offers a 4hr evening unlimited charcuterie service that could easily take the place of dinner if you come back for and an exhausted day of sightseeing (which we did several times) I was surprised and thrilled to see their version of charcuterie also included a made to order pasta bar. And unlimited beer/wine from their selection.
Avg. Price per Person - $$$-$$$$
Rating - IMO 4 out of 5. My only grumble was the size of the bathrooms. they could definitely benefit from bathroom upgrades in the rooms. It’s 2022 time to get rid of the tiny tub and shower curtains.
#gooutside #deliciousfood #summervacation
Afternoon Tea at the Historic Moana Surfrider
A truly beautiful experience not to be missed.
Address - 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ambiance/Facilities - A historic hotel that oozes charm and elegance. There was still a touch of old world class from the moment we stepped through the front door yet the hotel didn’t feel old or dated.
Highlights - Afternoon tea on the Verandah. We are big fans of Afternoon tea in general but this one was very special and the view amazing.
Avg. Price per Person - $69-135 USD PP
Rating - IMO definitely a 5 out of 5 moment.
* It was fantastic having the option of different dietary options without having to ask them to change the normal menu. I personally had the vegetarian option in our group which was delicious. It is all very filling, you will not leave hungry. They even provided containers to take home the cakes we couldn’t finish.
#familytravel #foodie #passionpassport
Fun at the Polynesian Cultural Centre
Getting There - transportation is available if booking online a head of time. Otherwise it is about and hour and a half drive on Highway 1 from Waikiki.
Attractions - the cultural centre is made up on different “lands”. Each featuring information and demonstrations on a range of items from food to clothing to dance or ceremonial tradition for the islands found in Polynesia. All shows and demonstrations are free once you have purchased your entry ticket. and if your lucky there will be taste test available at the cooking demonstrations.
Food & Restaurants - there are lots of options to choose from depending on the ticket you purchase. There is a luau package or a buffet package. We went for the buffet package and the food was amazing. If you prefer not to select a dining package they also have a number of food trucks and eateries at the front of the centre.
Shopping - gift shops, gift shops and more gift shops. Everything from ukuleles to T-shirt to jewellery and more.
#gooutside #familytravel #culturalexperience
paying our respects at Pearl Harbour
#gooutside #grouptravel #familytravel #passionpassport
A great day out. It was very humbling to visit the sight of the world war 2 attacks on Pearl Harbour and to read about those who lost their lives.
Getting There - There are many options for getting to the Pearl Harbour monument. we opted to use Karma Tours and it was well worth it. They picked us up from our hotel in Waikiki right on time and organised all of our entry tickets for the day with no fuss and no time wasted.
Attractions - USS Arizona monument, USS Missouri monument, Pearl Harbour Aviation museum
Food & Restaurants - There is a great cafe located in the Aviation museum on Ford Island or snack shop options at the visitor centre. not a huge selection but enough to stave off hunger when visiting.
Shopping - gift shops at each monument
Stroll in a royal garden
A few minutes from Waikiki beach you can enjoy a beautiful park that was originally designed for a queen. The Queen Kapi’olani Garden has beautiful colorful trees, and flowers. My favorite is the white hibiscus.
Definitely, a nice green space to enjoy a takeaway or shadow, more quietly than the crowded beach. You might take a small detour here if you are on your way/coming back from Diamond Head crater.
📍 3698 Paki Ave #3672, Honolulu
#gooutside #passionpassport #solotravel #waikiki #beachlife #hawaii #hawaiitourism #stroll #walking #walkingaround #park #naturalpark #landmark #honolulu #oahu
Diamond Head Crater park
Perfect one-day trip in Honolulu! The Diamond Head Crater, or Lē’ahi, is a volcanic cone located few minutes from Waikiki beach in Oahu. This crater is part of a system of cones and vents, known as Honolulu volcanic series, much younger that the Ko’olau range. This crater was the first military reservation in Hawaii, named Fort Ruger. Since 1986, has been a highly visited natural landmark.
You need to book in advance to enter the park area, and only access is through the tunnel. Within the park, it’s a very short hike (~20 minutes), but the view totally worth it. Don’t forget a cap and sunblock, you get easily sunburn here.
#solotravel #gooutside #staycation #beachlife #hawaii #nationalpark #hawai #oahu #hikingtrails #hiking #outdoors #hikes #passionpassport
pineapples galore at the dole plantation
#grouptravel
A great day out with the whole family.
So much to see and do at the Dole Plantation. We arrived early (right on opening time) to make the most of our day on Oahu’s north shore and the Plantation was already busy with lots of different groups and families.
We started with the train ride around the fields before the line got too long. The narration on the 20min ride was very informative and it was great to see the different fruits and trees that the plantation harvest for sale.
Next we headed for the hedge maze. The largest one in the world. Or so the sign tells us. sit was fun wandering around but pro tip… the map is on the back of the ticket. We didn’t realise this until we arrived at the exit 🤣
Finally the whole experience was finished with a stop in the gift shop. There is an extensive range to choose from. And you can’t leave without trying the famous Pineapple Dole Whip soft serve. it is delicious.
#gooutside #familytravel #grouptravel
Early Morning walks on Waikiki Beach
#gooutside
As the sun comes up over Waikiki beach it is truly a wonderful time to take in the sights.
The beach can be very crowded through the day so early morning is a great time to take in the peace and serenity of the waves and the new day.
We were out and about by 6am and the sun was already shining. The heat and humidity weren’t too bad yet. It is truly an invigorating start to any morning breathing in the fresh air and seeing the sun as it continues to rise.
Although the sunrise itself is blocked by the high rises watching the dawning light reflect off the ocean as it comes up is breathtaking. IMO definitely a reason to #gooutside
Waikiki trolley tour
our first full day on this Hawaiian holiday and we decided to do the Waikiki Trolley Tour. There are 3 lines to choose from so we did the Blue line (costal sightseeing) and the Red line (cultural downtown)
It was a great way to take in as much of the area as we could in a small amount of time.
All the trolley routes are hop on / hop off but we were enjoying the narration so much we decided to stay on the whole route so as not to loose our guide (shout out to DJ Ray Ray - the best guide in Hawaii).
The tour was very informative and the guides we’ve their own local knowledge in along with the historical and cultural facts making it that much more personal and enjoyable.
#gooutside
Fun in the Sun - Beachcomber by Outrigger
Getting There - Flights from most major cities to Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii.
Attractions - Sun and Sand. Need I say more? If so there are plenty of adventure and cultural activists to keep you busy and let’s not forget the shopping
Hotels - Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
Food & Restaurants - Aroma Cafe, Maui Brewing Company
Shopping - this hotel is right above Macy’s department store. there are also plenty of other options right at you finger tips.
Great hotel in a great location. Highly recommend staying here in your next trip to Hawaii. The staff were very accomodating of our 7am arrival time which was much needed after a 10 hour flight from Australia.
#gooutside
Hiking in Hawaii 🤙🏽
Adventure calls… hiking our way around Hawaii 🥾🥾
Manoa Falls trail was a good hour long depending on how many stops/breaks you take. some parts get steep, not bad if you’re a beginner. just watch your step, walking through this enchanted forest was magical ✨
Pictures are a few out stops we made, look at that thrown!!! 🤩🤩
Trail leads you to this waterfall 😍
There’s a path that goes down to get a little closer from below the water fall but definitely steep to go down to. Must see on your trip to Hawaii 🌺
#hawaii #hiking #nature #travels #magical #forrest #kauai #waterfalls #summervacation #island
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